The third annual summit marks the transition from intentional application to systemic integration. Having established a human centered foundation and explored practical workflows, we now focus on scaling these innovations across our tri level system. The 2026 tracks prioritize instructional equity and operational excellence, ensuring that AI tools are not just available but are integrated into the daily functions of the department. We are moving from individual experimentation to a cohesive, data informed environment that supports our employees and empowers every student across the islands.
Hilton Hawaiian Village
Thursday, July 9, 2026 | 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
Summit Agenda
Summit Tracks
Enhancing Teaching and Learning
The focus of this track is the intentional integration of AI to elevate teaching practices, assessment models, and the learning experience. This track explores how educators can move beyond basic content generation to design high-quality, accessible, and inclusive environments. Sessions emphasize practical applications for high-scale differentiation and reimagining feedback, ensuring that instructional equity and authentic assessment remain standard in every classroom.
Student Creation, Inquiry, and Problem-Solving
This track empowers students to use AI for grounded creation, inquiry, and problem-solving. It highlights the shift from passive prompting to using AI as a critical research partner for real-world challenges. Sessions focus on building student agency, ethical AI literacy, and the critical thinking skills needed to navigate information with a sharp eye on accuracy and bias while maintaining academic integrity.
Workflow Innovation and Efficiency
The focus of this track is leveraging AI to transform workflows and drive operational excellence across the tri-level system. This track explores how staff can move from individual productivity to organizational infrastructure, standardizing office procedures and automating complex administrative processes. Sessions provide practical examples of how automation reduces burnout and handles routine tasks, allowing for more focused, high-value work.
Transforming Data Insights into Action
The focus of this track is using AI to turn data into targeted interventions and improved organizational outcomes. This track examines how AI can be used to move from simple data collection to providing high-quality feedback loops and identifying trends at the school, complex area, and office levels. Sessions in this track highlight the power of turning raw information into meaningful actions that support both student growth and institutional effectiveness.
Strategic Leadership and Digital Stewardship
The focus of this track is the governance, ethics, and policy required for systemic technology integration. This track provides a space to discuss vetting protocols, data privacy mandates, and the ethical management of an AI-augmented workforce. Sessions focus on the future-proofing and literacy required to ensure that innovation remains safe, human-centered, and aligned with the department’s strategic goals.
Cost: FREE for Hawaii Department of Education employees. Sponsored by Superintendent Hayashi. Funding for stipends/subs and/or neighbor island travel are not available.
Need answers ASAP? Reach out to our event planning team at [email protected] or [email protected] for info and more.
